Week Two: The Case for Intellectual Character
This week we will be responding to and sharing our thinking after reading Part One, chapters 1,2 and 3 of the book. In chapter one, Ritchhart shares his thinking about the current state of education. In chapter two, he distinguishes between IQ and intelligence testing and the idea of Intellectual Character. Then in chapter three, Ritchhart provides an overview and persuasive argument for education to begin embedding practices that build dispostions and set an environment fostering the development of intellectual character.

Later in this book we will be introduced to 'Thinking Routines'. To guide our discussion, of the first two chapters of the book, I would like to use one of these routines.

Download the file for the directions to completing the routine. The file will also provide information on using this routine in the classroom.


As you read chapters 1 & 2 please make note of things that you find interesting, important, or insightful then complete the Color, Symbol, Image routine. We will share later in the week.

In chapter three we are provided a scenario to help us see a disposition unfold in context. Please share your own experience when you had the awareness of an opportunity, the motivation to act, the inclination to follow through.




Below is a link to the Project Zero Harvard School of Education Visible Thinking Website and provides more information about routines.

VT routine CSI